Washington Redskins NFL Team Column

By John Corcoran 2008 NFL Draft Coverage

Easing the Pain of a Dallas Loss

Let me put the Redskins loss to Dallas into perspective.

Just before bedtime two nights before the game, I looked out my window. In the distance, on the mountains on the far side of the San Fernando Valley, I saw a color different from what I'm used to seeing. Distant lights tend to be whitish and twinkly on clear nights like this one, lighter than the shade I was seeing. This was more a yellowish tint, and not a series of dots like house lights or streetlights, but a snake-like entity. I went for the binoculars, but already suspected what it was. It was a warm, dry and  windy night. was A day earlier a town called Montecito, 60 miles to the North of here had been hit by a devastating brushfire. Now the Santa Anna Winds, AKA the "Devil Winds" were taking aim further South.

By the time the Sylmar Fire, which I had just spotted in its infancy, was contained, more than 500 residents were without a home.  And it was just one of three major wildfires that hit Southern California this past week. That will put a football loss in perspective for you.

With that thought in mind and a brief prayer for those affected by these hellacious fires, two points:

One, making "heroes" out of people who are highly paid to play children's games is ridiculous contrasted to the deeds of the men and women who work at great peril and insufficient pay to save lives and property against a fearsome enemy.

You can find fault in most heroes. But rarely with firefighters. As we learned as a nation on 9/11, and are reminded very year during fire season out here, firefighters are good, brave and selfless people—the best the country has to offer in  so many ways. When you see one, you thank should him—or her.

Second, let's move on to children's games. I'm going to dive in and call this Redskin season—if not a disaster—a late onset disappointment. Two straight losses to tough opponents have made the playoffs far less likely. Even if the 'skins should get in, there is little likelihood they would advance. What is more troubling is that the offense was all but shut down the last two games against Pittsburgh and Dallas.

Lots of reasons for the offensive woes. The opponents have solid defenses, and got key players back from injury just in time for the 'skins. Also, both play a 3-4. The Redskins have troubles against the 3-4, at least partly because center Casey Rabach has trouble with big, tough, nose tackles.

The Oline has worn down. These are undersized, aging vets. They've been pounding the ball. Those who aren't outright injured, are beat up.

Running backs Clinton Portis and Ledell Betts have been hurt. Top receiver Santana Moss has been having his usual hamstring problems. And GM Vinny Cerrato didn't provide any help at WR to ease the focus on the 'skins only deep threat.

Without any more serious injuries, I see the 'skins finishing 9-7. With luck, they'll win one of three against the remaining tough guys--the Giants, Baltimore and Philly, and two of three against the easier opponents, Seattle, Cincy, and SF.

Next year's team, if not unrecognizable, should at least be hard to identify without a program. Changes need to be made, or it will be more of the same.

Let's start with the defense.

SAY GOODNIGHT, GRACIE 

CB Shawn Springs. Healthy, Springs is one of the best shutdown corners around. The trouble is Springs can't get through a season healthy and is a slow healer. His big cap number and unwillingness to renegotiate seals the deal.

LB Marcus Washington: Same church, different pew. A terrific player and team leader when healthy, he can't stay on the field. Losing him will hurt, but his spot needs to be filled.

DE Jason Taylor: Let him dance off into the sunset. He's been hurt all year, and when he's on the field, he's invisible.

DE Phillip Daniels (Injured reserve) : Okay, maybe one more year. But he spent last offseason in powerlifting contests and first thing out, he had a season ending injury anyway.

NEXT OUT THE DOOR

DT Cornelius Griffith, S Reed Doughty: These guys are also injury prone. Griffith is a force when healthy, but has gotten dinged throughout his career. The development of rookie Chris Horton has made Doughty expendable.

JURY'S STILL OUT

CB DeAngelo Hall, DE Erasmus James, Hall has the rest of the season to get on a salary drive and try to earn enough respect to be Springs new replacement. Erasmus James never got back from his constant knee issues. If he doesn't by the end of the year, say goodbye.

OFFENSE

SAY GOODNIGHT, GRACIE

OT Jon Jansen. OG Pete Kendall,  WR James Thrash (As a receiver). Jansen is paid too much to be a backup and has lost his lateral mobility, critical in pass blocking. He might extend his career by moving to center.  Kensall is 95 years old. Chad Rineholt should replace him next year. Let's hope either Devin Thomas or Malcolm Kelly replaces Thrash as a receiver next year, but he should stay for special teams.

NEXT OUT THE DOOR

C Rabach, QB Todd Collins. Either the 330 pound Geissinger or perhaps  Rinehart or Jansen needs to replace the 295 pound center, who can't handle nose guards. Todd Collins is too good to rust on the bench and may have trade value, and next year, Colt Brennan should move up to second string.

TOO SOON TO TELL

The Terrific Trio. Antwaan Randle El. Injury prone, and a minor disappointment, Randle El's days as a #2 receiver and punt returner should end. He'd be an upgrade over Thrash as #3 receiver. The "Terrific Trio" of  second round receivers may actually catch a pass or two the rest of this year. My advice for next year? Come to camp in shape, guys, and try learning the playbook.

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Redskins Must Overcome Cowboy Conspiracy to Win

One of the little known NFL Rule changes last winter was one that requires Redskin opponents to get a key injured player back just in time for the game against the Washington. Not every team, mind you--that would be unfair. But just enough to make a Redskin fan think there's yet another conspiracy afoot designed to keep the Washington franchise out of the playoffs. If this sounds unduly paranoid, consider two things: The Nation's Capitol is always awash in conspiracy theories and I'm able to type with my tongue firmly in cheek.

Speaking of conspiracies, another one affecting the Redskins this year was the NFL schedule. It forced the team and their fledgling coach to play three of their first five games on the road against NFC East opponents. Washington trumped that one by winning two of three key contests.

This week, the 'skins again must deal with a key player or two returning from injury just in time to play against them. Earlier this year, Philly got their injured superstar Brian Westbrook back for the first Redskin game. This so upset the 'skins they broke his rib on the first series and sent him back to the sidelines for the next couple of weeks.

The same thing happened against Pittsburgh, which got nose guard Casey Hampton and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger back in time for the 'skins game. They also got injured RB Willie Parker rehabbed in time to play. The 'skins took out their frustration on Parker, who wasn't fit contribute the following week.

Now comes arguably the most crucial game to date of the Redskins season, against the HatedDallasCowboys (always a single word in my dictionary). Naturally, the 'pokes return two key players this week, Quarterback Tony Romo and RB Felix Jones. (Make that a "maybe" on Jones. His status is "iffy" as this is written.)

The good news in Big D makes Commissioner Roger Goodell very happy, since Dallas is America's Team, and as such, is to be given every advantage possible to help get them back to the Superbowl. More paranoia? I don't think so.

Every year the 'pokes get the gift of a second 'bye  week—no other team is so honored.  But Dallas gets an annual Thanksgiving game, and always at home. That not only gives them a competitive edge against their opponent, which must travel on a short week, but also rewards the Cowboys with ten days off to lick their late season wounds after it.

Gimpy Portis Key to Victory?

To add to the unfairness, the Redskins got an unwelcome surprise during the bye week. Clinton Portis' knee swoll up. An MRI revealed a second degree MCL sprain. Chances that he will play, or if he does, play effectively, were listed at an optimistic 50-50.

Santana Moss has been resting his tender hamstring, which means there's a decent chance the 'skins will go into Sunday night's contest with their two best offensive weapons operating at well below capacity. Add to that, All Pro tackle Chris Samuels knee issues continue and he will be playing at less than complete efficiency. On Thursday, CB Shawn Springs, LB Marcus Washington, and DT Anthony Montgomery weren't in pads.

Add to the 'skins late season woes,  the incompetence of their personnel department, especially for decisions made during last year's draft. As more and more rookie second round or lower receivers continue to light up the league for other teams, the Redskins trio of second round receivers continues to sit and rot on the bench or in the training room. No one can write off Fred Davis, Devin Thomas or Malcolm Kelly as busts this early in their careers, of course, but if they were drafted to help this year, they have not.

Once again, fans are teased into thinking all will be better. In past weeks, Coach Zorn has indicated Devin Thomas was ready to step up. Then each week, he did not. TE Fred Davis has caught one pass for six yards all year. (By contrast, Dallas rookie TE Martellus Bennett, picked after Davis, has caught nine passes for 181 yards.) Now the always-injured Malcolm Kelly is said to be performing at a high level in practice, and his knee has been holding up. But he has been unable to learn the plays, so he'll likely sit.

Sunday, Bloody Sunday

While the Cowboys were mistakenly deemed the Juggernaut of the NFL earlier this year,   they worry me this time out. They will be playing with their backs against the wall and their walking wounded running again (he said mixing metaphors). There is no way their brain trust under uses Felix Jones as they did last time—unless his hammy is still atwitter.

Despite all this the 'skins can win Sunday. First, the defense must be impregnable. They have added former Pro Bowler and Oakland castoff DeAngelo Hall at DB. I'm not as excited about Hall as many 'skins fans are. He was run out of Atlanta for attitude issues and gave up 40 completions in 66 attempts for more than 500 yards when passed against during his brief Raider stint.  I saw him against Denver's Eddie Royal, and it wasn't a pretty sight.

Second, on offense, Portis and Moss must play at full or close to full efficiency. Without a running threat or the deep ball threat, the 'skins are non-starters. Ledell Betts may play. Oh joy.

One more thing: At least one of the terrific rookie trio must finally step it up this week.  Don't get me wrong, I love James Thrash as a football player, but not as a third wideout.   The 'skins need a deep threat opposite Moss and taking the pressure off Antwaan Randle El.

Even more importantly, the O-Line needs to have a game at least as good as the one last time against Dallas.

Coach Zorn must also resist the temptation to play not to lose on offense and unleash the full thunder of he mighty WCO. His offense was at its most effective earlier this year when it was unpredictable. As the team has grown more successful, Zorn has throttled back on the creativity—and the offense has paid a price for it.

Most importantly, take the ball from the Hated Dallas Cowboys, and don't give it away.

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Skins Lay Egg at FedEx

Lots of speculation from pundits, bloggers and fans about why the ‘skins lost to Pittsburgh, 23-6, Monday. In a nutshell, it came down to execution. The Pittsburgh defense executed. The Redskins offense should have been.

Despite suggestions to the contrary, the Redskins didn't lose because of too many Steeler fans at FedEx, the drop of a sure Pick Six by oCB Carlos (Manos de Piedra) Rogers, the high school uniforms the ‘skins donned for the occasion, or the fact that Tony Kornheiser is the worst color man in sports history.

Nope. They lost because the better team won. Dudes and Dudettes, what we had here was an old fashioned ass-whuppin'.

For the first time since the Redskins final two exhibition games, Coach Jim Zorn looked utterly out of his element. He was thoroughly out-coached by arguably the best defensive mind in the history of the game, Steelers Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau. Pittsburgh’s defenders played Wack-a-Mole all night long with the Redskins offense. When the men in Maroon and Maroon looked here, the Steelers were over there, and vice versa. Pittsburgh made seven sacks, held Clinton Portis to 51 yards and even blocked a punt. They out-strategied, out-quicked, overpowered, overloaded, and outplayed the Redskins offense.

The Redskins defense was stout until Steelers starter Ben Roethlisberger reinjured his shoulder and backup QB Clint Longley, er, Byron Leftwich took over and crushed the Redskins hopes.

When cameras caught Zorn on the sidelines, huge play card in hand, he often sported the same bewildered look he’d displayed against Carolina and Jacksonville in those pre-season losses—sort of a “man without any answers” look. Don’t get me wrong, I love Zorn in the truest Allan Shore/Denny Crane Man-love manner, but lest we forget that as NFL coaches go, he’s still a pup. LeBeau was the man with a rolled up newspaper paddling Zorn when his offense piddled all over FedEx.

As is always the case with football, it begins with line play. The Redskins Oline, particularly, came up short this night. Hip Hip Hooray for the Hogs in the first half of the season. But that cheer comes with a big caveat. The O-line is still undersized, occasionally overwhelmed, and another day older and deeper in doubt. The doubt is whether or not this smallish, oldish, beaten up and worn crew will last a season.

Right Tackle Jansen cannot pass block anyone faster than Continental Drift. Left tackle Chris Samuels was moving like he was stuck in Molasses. (How did Samuels go from All-Pro to Oh-No overnight? Gotta be his bad wheel.) Center Casey Rabach, smart, tough and talented, just isn't big enough to block the elite 3-4 nose guards in the NFL. Gutsy, undersized, elderly left guard Pete Kendall shows the effect of sitting out lots of practice to keep his arthritic knees on the field.

This is an O-line that can outthink and outsmart but not out-quick or out-maul an opponent. It was exposed as such Monday night.

They weren’t helped by Zorn’s play selection. This team wasn’t in attack mode; it was in turtle shell shock. It played to not lose, not to win. Am I dreaming or did the Zorn Redskins once have a running game that involved an occasional modicum of deception, fakery and trickeration? We’re not talking about the full Houdini, but with enough variety and misdirection to set a defense back on their heels by the occasional half step needed to make running plays work.

Overall, the offense didn’t dictate, it was dictated to. Pittsburgh's defense was one step ahead of them all night. And yes, the extraordinary Steelers personnel—especially the linebackers, nose guard Casey Hampton and safety Troy Polamalu had a lot to do with it. Did I say linebackers? I meant LINEBACKERS! The law firm of Farrior, Harrison and Woodley had 22 tackles, seven assists and four sacks.

Then too, the passing game was ineffective, too. The ‘skins tried too many four wide sets, leaving Campbell to the blitzing wolves. (You can call them Wolf Blitzers, I don’t do puns.) It was a devil or the deep blue sea situation. With Moss downgraded to mere mortal by his ever-cantankerous hamstrings, the Redskins only deep threat, wasn’t. Antwaan Randle El, ever on the verge of stepping up is still on the curb. Special teams tyrant James Thrash plays like he’s 50 years old and rookie Devin Thomas plays like he has a football IQ of 50.

When the Redskins drafted three receivers in the second round last April, two things worried me. One, the Redskins pitiful history drafting receivers in the first two rounds, and two, the fact de facto GM Vinny Cerrato was doing the drafting. Danny Snyder’s right hand man defended his choices by saying his charts not only demanded he take the men he took, but required he take three receivers with his top three picks, and ignore, say, rebuilding the offensive or defensive lines.

With the season half over, that trio of drafted receivers has less than 100 yards in receiving yardage. Meanwhile, some rookies they didn’t draft--like DeSean Jackson, Eddie Royal and Donnie Avery are tearing up the league—with other teams.

Meanwhile, the lines grow older, Dancing with the Stars star Jason Taylor is sitting with the wounded, and the ‘skins go into the bye week on a downer. Up next, only the hated Dallas Cowboys, who get back their injured QB, Tony Romo, just in time for the Redskins.

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Redskinskins Win Ugly; My Guys Win a Beauty

A quick confession--I didn't see the Redskins-Lions game until late Sunday night on DVR. I'd just returned from Pittsburgh where a gathering of old college friends and I saw our Alma Mater play. Our guys brought their 2-5 record into Pittsburgh to take on the #20 ranked team in the country. Rutgers was led by their disappointing senior quarterback, who kept getting confused about which jerseys to throw to. Saturday, he faced the team with the top pass defense in the Big East. No one was optimistic.

Before the season started, I had recommended this QB, Mike Teel, to be on DraftDog's pro watch list. Later, after a few of his disastrous outings, I emailed an apology. Oh well, I figured, at least I could hang with my fellow Alumni and have a good time watching our lambs led to slaughter.

So what happened? Teel was only 14-for-21 for 361 yards and six touchdowns, and Rutgers blasted the heavily favored Pitt Panthers, 54-34. (I hope that's an omen that a certain pro team will also blast Pittsburgh's finest this upcoming weekend.)

I'm still not recommending Teel as a pro, however, because he still throws into double coverage far too often. Still, the right coach might be able to work wonders with a guy who on Saturday repeatedly threw a perfect deep ball, including 79, 60 and 36 yard TDs.

Rutgers Junior receivers Kenny Britt (5-143, 3 TDs) and Tim Brown (4-132, 2 TDs) upped their pro stock, too. And Pitt's Reggie Bush-like tailback, LeSean McCoy (26-146, 4 TDs), may be a high first round pick--but the pros will have to wait, he's only a sophomore. 

Oh Yeah, The Redskins Won, Too

As the cliché goes, the Redskins "won ugly" Sunday. Too many mistakes, especially penalties at critical moments. But win they did behind their newly minted franchise quarterback, Jason Campbell (23-for-28, 328), their newly minted lockdown corner, Carlos Rogers, (held Calvin Johnson to 4/57) the spectacular Santana Moss (9 catches-140 yard, 80 yard Pun Return, 2 TDs).

Let's not forget MVP candidate Clinton Portis (24-126), Pro Bowl tight end Chris Cooley, the defensive leader London Fletcher, and good coaching, led by Jim Zorn and defensive coordinator Greg Blache.

Zorn sat four of his walking—make that limping—wounded for the game. Sitting out were safety Chris Horton, cornerback Shawn Springs and defensive tackle Cornelius Griffith on defense, and all-pro left tackle Chris Samuels on offense. For the most part the subs came through. But Zorn may have doubted his decision and uttered a critical comment or two about mental errors at halftime, down 10-6. How could a team have a 250-90 yardage advantage in the first half and only six points?

Newly signed Mike Green, while late in coverage at times, certainly provided the hitting skills of injured rookie Horton. Anthony Montgomery replaced Griffith (With Demetric Evans also moving inside at times) and Fred Smoot stepped in for Springs with no great drop off at either position. Stephon Hyer struggled at the unfamiliar left tackle position.

Odds, Ends and Opinions

Is it Zorn Being Zorn, or… Or is nice guy Jim feeling the pressure? He had dustups with Clinton Portis during the game and with a reporter afterwards. (The latter included a lectern-pounding thump.) Probably, it's a little of each. He's great psychologist, but this is all new to him as head man.

Why Kelly's No Hero: The Skins stunk it up in the Red Zone Sunday. Always injured rookie WR Malcolm Kelly is almost 6 '4", and had a college rep for catching everything thrown in his vicinity. But he's never available to provide a critical end zone target. Sure he's hurt. But as coach Zorn pointed out, he got hurt because he reported to camp out of shape. The need for a big target in the red Zone has to be the reason why Kelly hasn't been put on IR this year.

The Six Scariest Words in Redskins Land: Heard after the game. They were: "Santana Moss has tweaked his hamstring." If this is serious, it's the end of the dream. Zorn said Moss might not be ready for Pittsburgh, (a Monday night game, which gives him an extra day to get better). Moss has a history of hamstring pulls.  And while Santana may not be the most valuable player on the Redskins, he's the most irreplaceable.

Just Dreaming:  Any one of three receivers Vinny Cerrato didn't draft last year, Eddie Royal, Donnie Avery or DeSean Jackson, would look mighty nice in Burgundy and Gold now.   Sunday, Avery caught six passes for 163 yards. Season to date, Royal is 39-392, and Jackson is 32-505. The Redskins Rookie trios of WR Malcolm Kelly, WR Devin Thomas and TE Fred Davis have seven catches for 61 yards combined.

Airport Comedy: The Rutgers Pitt game was at Heinz field on Saturday afternoon with the Giants/Steelers Sunday. Needles to say, Pittsburgh's airport was packed with jersey wearing fans—pro and college—coming and going. I was waiting for my flight Sunday and heard the following announcement throughout the terminal. "Will passenger Eli Manning please return to the security station? You forgot your manpurse." Good line, but Eli had the last laugh.

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Redskins Win Is Nice…but There's More Good News!

           Pinch me, I'm dreaming. It's not just the Redskins unexpected 5-2 record. It's not just key road wins versus powerful opponents. It's not just Clinton Portis leading the league in rushing. It's not just the Hypersonic learning Curve that is Jim Zorn. It's not just the surprise return to health of Carlos Rogers, Rocky McIntosh, Randy Thomas, and Jon Jansen—all playing much better than expected at this point. It's not just Greg Blache out-doing Gregg Williams or Chris Horton or any other Redskin positives.

It's something more crucial to a Redskin fan's full enjoyment. It's the cherry on the Sundae, the smile on the blond in the corner, Jerry Lundegaard* knocking $100 off the Trucoat on that new Ciera. What is it? Oh I think you know…

It's the Dallas Cowboys in freefall. It is seeing this year's presumptive, pre-ordained, already-fitted-for-rings Superbowl Champeens suffering insults added to injuries. It's seeing the smug grin on Jerry Jerry Jones' face disappear as he strains to force his reconstructed grill into a pained smile of optimism. It's Terrell Owens yelling at people on the sidelines instead of weeping over "my quarterback." And while no one wishes on anyone the wasted life that has become Pacman Jones' fate, it's also seeing Dallas learn the hard way that there are consequences to bringing in sketchy characters, not Character Guys.

Still, the season is young, the Redskins have enjoyed excellent health on the offensive and defensive lines and at critical skill positions…and last year everyone wrote off the New York Giants. The 'boys could be back. But for now, Redskin fans—who by definition hate the Cowboys--can really enjoy life…

Redskin Pro Bowl Candidates

Clinton Portis RB: No-brainer. He has the best "lean" of any running back around, he runs with power and smarts and no one follows blockers better.

Mike Sellers FB: If Portis followed him any closer they'd share underwear.  There are better receiving fullbacks in the league, but no better blockers. None.

Chris Samuels OT: Another no-brainer. Everyone knew he was a terrific left tackle because of his pass blocking—but this year he has become an equally skilled run blocker.

London Fletcher MLB: What does this guy have to do to get noticed? Unfortunately, too many times votes go on reputation alone, but if skill sets were considered, no way he's kept from a trip to Hawaii.

Carlos Rogers CB: Maybe not this year—but he should go, based on what he's done so far. His Manos de Piedra keep him from those gaudy interception stats voters like but he's becoming a shut down corner and ask Joe Cribbs if he can hit.

LaRon Landry Safety: Love to see him go to Hawaii, but he's probably a year or two away. Besides, Horton has borrowed some of his glory this year.

Coach of the Year: Too bad hey don't have a rookie category, Zorn would be a shoo-in. But if the 'skins take the NFC East or finish a close playoff-bound second, he's got a shot. Don't worry, he'll get there.

Rookie of the Year: Horton probably needs a couple of more interceptions, taking at least one to the house to get his props. But he's the best rookie safety playing this year. Unfortunately of the ten draftees on the roster, he's the only one with a chance of getting a vote.

Winless Lions Are Next

As of Monday, it looks like Springs and Betts are definitely out for the Detroit game. Zorn says not to worry about Campbell's groin. Griffith is still hurting at DT.

Jason Taylor is still bothered by his compartment syndrome in his calf. He had no sacks, no tackles and no assists against Cleveland despite playing most of the game (Two deflected passes, tho). Despite those stats, I'll give ol' Pretty Boy, undersized-for-the-NFC-East Stardancer points for guts and leadership by example.

And while the team has done as well or better without him because of Demetric Evans and Chris Wilson, consider this. With rested legs and without the full beatdown of the first half of the season, a healthy Taylor could still return to Miami '06 form and provide a critical pass rush element late in the season.

I'm not flip-flopping. I'm still against the trade that brought him to DC, but unlike the Lloyd's and Archuleta's of the recent past, Taylor has proven to be one strong Character Guy. The Redskins have got a bunch of them, and a team can never have enough Character Guys. Right, Dallas?

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Redskin Running Back Bust Turns into Home Town Hero 

Redskin fans love their most recent UCLA draftee. That seventh round gift from the Bruins, Safety Chris Horton, has proven to be the jewel of the Washington draft class so far in 2008. He is tied for second in the league in interceptions, logged 10 tackles last week alone, and has become a force in the defensive backfield, already winning an NFL rookie of the week honor.

Trivia time: Who remembers the last UCLA alum the 'skins picked before Horton? Hint: it was in 2005 and it didn't turn out nearly so well for Washington.

That year the Redskins had two first round picks, which they used on Auburn's finest, cornerback Carlos Rogers and quarterback Jason Campbell. Both have blossomed this year—becoming genuine Redskin Heroes. The next man selected is no longer on the team—nor in football. 

Manuel White was a 6'2" 240-pound tailback who proved injury prone and ineffective in the pros. To add insult to ineptness, White was a fourth rounder, as the skins had traded away their second and third round choices. After a couple of unsuccessful years on the team, and a broken leg, he gave up football. White became an official Redskin "Bust."

So...why bring up a guy who went from hometown hero to Redskin zero?  Because Manuel White is once again a hero. No, he doesn't fight for Old DC, he puts it on the line out here on the Left Coast--near LA. How can that be? We all know the City of Angels has no pro football team—if you don't count USC. 

In football, White was an offensive specialist. His new job puts him both on the offensive, or when called for, defending against a relentless enemy. There's no more cheers from hometown throngs. Instead he's more likely to be hugged out by grateful local homeowners. (And he's not a Mortgage Bailout expert. )

And these are not three hour, once on Sunday outings. This week, for instance, White was at it for 48 hours straight. No stays in luxury hotels, either--he grabbed sleep when he could on the ground, or sprawled out over the tools of his trade. Not alone, of course. He was joined by hundreds of fellow members of LA's most appreciated heroes.

 White spent the week ready to defend a most precious possession belonging to people he'd never met before. He no longer takes it to the house, he saves the house--and the apartments and places of work. The former running back is now a Pasadena firefighter. Firefighters risk more than a blown out knee or broken limbs when they go to work. They quite literally put their lives on the line--and for considerably less pay and significantly less glory.  

Firefighters in LA and surrounding communities fought two major brush fires earlier this week that were at times propelled by wind gusts exceeding 80 MPH. As a news junkie who once briefly covered some fires, and who now watches the aerial and ground battles as avidly as a Redskin game, I can tell you Southern California firefighters are as good, and brave, and honorable as anyone gets. The interplay between ground units and aerial assets is as precise and coordinated and exciting to watch as any football play.

White is a rookie at his profession, but the day may come when he will literally save lives. Said White to KABC-TV News, Wednesday: "This is my first time being deployed on a strike team. It's a learning experience for me…eyes open the whole night and just ready to go if the fire was to come our way." 

And while a great runner would have been oh-so-nice for the Burgundy and Gold, somehow I suspect this is one football bust who has moved on to a greater calling.

Oh Right, Cleveland

The best thing that happened to the Redskins with Cleveland is the Browns beat the Giants handily. With any luck, they'll come into this game flat--but don't bet on it. It is far from a Redskin Gimme. So herewith, Cork's:

Seven Keys to Beating The Browns 

Let's Return to Turnover-Free, No-Mistake Football, Okay, Fellas?—Pete? Pete Kendall? Fall on the ball. Bat it to earth. Kick it into the Potomac. But never, I say never try to intercept one again. Jason? I know you are overdue for a pick, and Cleveland nabbed three of Eli's errant efforts last week, but Just say No to ints. Get it? Got it? Good! 

Don't Plan on a Last Second Field Goal: Yes, Suisham has been dependable this year, but he's working with a new holder, Redskins' newly signed punter Ryan Plackemeier. The Redskins impeccable center for kicks, Ethan Albright, may have the biggest adjustment of all. Plackemeier is—not to put too fine a spin on it—a load. He's 6'3" 247 pounds—Chis Cooley's size, but he's shaped  like the Pillsbury Dough Boy. So take care, Red Snapper, not to embed the spheroid into the holder's jelly belly.

Stop the Run: Jamaal Lewis is the kind of back that hurts the Redskins, big, strong and working behind a powerful line. Andre Carter needs to play the left side at times, since whoever goes against Cleveland left tackle Joe Thomas will get stoned and be a non- factor. Demetric Evans must continue his sterling play and stop the run. Jason Taylor needs to re-channel 2006.

Watch out for Flying Saucers:  Make that UFOs. Cleveland uses a bizarre defense—known as the UFO—where all eleven defenders stand up, including Wide-load Noseguard Shaun Rogers. Rogers sometimes lines up at LB, then takes a running start as a rusher. Be happy you don't handle center Casey Rabach's insurance needs this week.

Go No-huddle and Vary the Count. Rogers is a beast, but not an every-down player. No-huddle keeps him on the field and wears him out. Counter the UFO by changing the snap count. Worst "tell" for snap counts is the center's head in the Shotgun—he looks up and snaps an instant later. Avoid it.

Don't Let 'em Go to the Edwards Well:  Stopping the Browns brilliant wideout, Braylon Edwards is easier said than done, of course. Particularly if Kellen Winslow is still out, shutting down the Brown's Biggest Dawg is critical. Unfortunately, the top three Redskin CBs are dinged. As of Thursday, Smoot was doubtful, Rogers skipped practice and Springs re-injured his calf. Safety Chris Horton has an ankle and his tackling will be needed against Lewis. Landry may return to deep deep center field to prevent long bombs and play bend-but-don't break D.

Get the Offense Healthy: If dinged-up left tackle Chris Samuels is ready to go, that's a huge plus. Stephon Heyer has been practicing on the left side, but his shoulder may not be 100 percent. Clinton Portis has had a hip flexor, but he's a warrior and will play. Shawn Springs is needed and could wind up playing safety.

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A Lineman's Dream is Redskin Nightmare

Not to panic. Before the season started, who among us Redskin fans wouldn't have been delighted with a 4-2 record six games in?

And, anyway, who knew this weekend past was "Smack the NFC East" weekend? The upstart 'skins, America's "Team," and the defending Superbowl champeens all got smacked down, and Philly got cuffed about a bit before beating the 49ers.

Also, why should Redskin fans panic when Uber Genius Vinny Cerrato is running the circus? The skins crack front office Guru and radio host announced a big move to stem the bleeding. He's got a help-wanted sign out for a new punter. Then his coach, Jim Zorn, said, not so fast, genius, we're only trying out new punters. Unlike Vinny, Zorn may know changing punters in mind-steam also affects the field goal team—when the punter is also the holder. Current punter Durant Brooks is the holder—er, was. Um, may still be the holde and punter Sunday.

As for the loss… I hate it when I'm right. Okay, I don't hate it, except when it involves the Redskins losing. And while I didn't expect them to lose to the Rams—no sane person would—I was prepared for it, and in my last column, mentioned it's very real possibility. (Ouch--pulled a shoulder muscle with that last self back-pat.)

Seriously, what worried me most came to fruition. No one expected an entire season without turnovers, but Sunday, the Redskins turned the ball over three times, tripling their previous number. 

The worst was a bizarre play that led instantly to a Rams touchdown. This led one clown on a Redskins fan board to literally curse out the offender, guard Pete Kendall, for his boneheaded play. (Kendall caught a deflected pass, tried to run with it, and fumbled when hit--said fumble taken to the house by the bad guys.) 

Anyone, I mean anyone who has ever been a guard or tackle empathizes with Kendall. There isn't a former or current lineman alive who hasn't fantasized about doing something skill players do.

I'll never forget one high school practice of mine. I pulled, slammed into our quarterback, knocking the ball into the air. I caught it and ran about forty yards before the defense stopped laughing long enough to tackle me. I begged the coach to be switched to fullback. He said no. So trust me. All linemen dream of running with the ball—just not the fumbling part.

On the plus side, despite the turnovers, the Redskins were one late pass completion away from winning the game. This brings me to a new feature:

Cork's Worry Wart Report.

THE BROWNS:  What, now the redskins have to worry about the Cleveland Browns? They better. The Browns battered about the New York Fubbal Gints on their way to a pullaway win. Sunday's game is no laugher.

THE 'SKINS ELDERLY DEFENDERS:  DE Jason Taylor returned and was as ineffective as he has been all season. Sure, he's not 100% healthy, but that's because his wheels are coming off. So far this year, he's had Plantar fasciitis, a sprained knee and something called Compartment Syndrome. (That sounds like a train travel phobia.) At age 34, a DE who weighs 245 pounds needs his quicks—and at least for now Taylor has lost his. Also, dinged a lot this year, Shawn Springs and Marcus Washington. Meanwhile, the amazing London Fletcher continues to earn his pay.

O-LINE ISSUES: Jansen can't pass block. Heyer can't run block. Samuels is hurt. Kendall is old. And all this maligned bunch has done is run block for the NFL's leading rusher and a passer with zero interceptions. But Campbell was under too much pressure, Sunday.

THE DRAFT: No, not the military draft, the Redskins draft.  So far, exactly ONE of the ten Redskins draftees on the active squad has had a major impact. That would be safety Chris Horton, who only had 10 tackles yesterday and played like a pro-bowler. Meanwhile, the Terrific Trio, the three receivers the Redskins picked in the second round, again did nada, nothing, zilch, zip

TEACUP BETTS: There are two Truisms about Ladell Betts. One: Most of the time he's not that good. Two: when he is that good, he gets hurt. Sure enough, he's been superb spelling Portis this year, so naturally he's got a knee. Out a couple-three weeks. Having dumped Marcus Mason, their pre-season rush leader, the 'Skins are now down to Rock Cartwright as the only viable alternative at RB. (Expect they'll get someone.)

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Yes, the Rams Can Upset the Redskins (But Probably Won't)

Who knew beating the Eagles would be so easy? All the Redskins had to do was crack Westbrook's ribs on the first drive, get the Iggles overconfident with a 14-zip lead, then take 'em to the woodshed for the rest of the game.

Before we look at this week's matchup with the Rams, let's see how the Old Cork did with his Seven Keys to Grounding the Eagles, shall we?

Limit Turnovers. CHECK. This is getting ridiculous. Another week without a turnover? Yep. Jason Campbell broke Joe Theismann's consecutive passes without an interception mark, and the backs and receivers refuse to put the ball on the ground

Continue imaginative Running Game. CHECK. The 'skins have reintroduced deception into the running attack. That and the fact a veteran and very good Oline is healthy and playing together well, and you're ready to go. Add in the best blocking backfield in the NFL, Sellers and Portis, and excellent blocking by the receivers, and you're almost there. Then throw in Portis, running as well as he ever has as a Redskins and you end up quadrupling the average rushing yardage the Eagles give up.

Let the Big Dogs Eat. CHECK And by that I meant to get the ball to the larger receivers instead of Smurfs like Moss and Randal El. Cooley led the team in receiving Sunday and even rookie Devin Thomas caught two balls.

Send a Thank you Bouquet to the Philadelphia Weatherman. CHECK. The Eagles have been known to go no-huddle, but the cool weather kept them from employing it as a tactic to wear down the Redskins D. Teams have yet to out-condition the 'skins, and rotation helps prevent that.

Keep Campbell Mobile. CHECK. He didn't run for much and wasn't forced to scramble, but made a key run for a first down and stayed elusive in the pocket.

Hit Hit Hit. CHECK. As previously mentioned, Westbrook suffered cracked ribs and the overall hitting was excellent.

Out Coach 'Em CHECK AND DOUBLE CHECK In consecutive weeks Zorn and his brain trust have out-thunk the Cowboys interim coach Wade Phillips--who forgot to run against the Redskins--and Andy Reid, who couldn't get the ball to DeSean Jackson. Zorn, who seemed a little bewildered late in the pre-season and against the Giants, has accelerated his learning curve to Warp Speed, and Defensive Guru Greg Blache has been one step ahead of offenses.

A huge shout out to old hand Joe Bugel, who, despite personal tragedy, may be doing his best job ever with the offensive line. Of course they've had to good sense to stay fairly healthy so far this year. Even when Stephon Heyer went down, a rejuvenated Jon Jansen stepped in and didn't miss a beat.

Before Redskins fans get too ecstatic, they need to remember, that as good as they are, the 'skins remain on thin ice in two areas. One, they are due for a bad turnover game, and two, they have been remarkably lucky with injuries, so far.

The Operative word for this week is "Trap Game." Be careful, 'skins, the Rams look too easy. So easy, in fact, I can't come up with Seven Keys to Beating the Rams, since one or two should do. Instead, just to be different, here's two keys for the Rams beating the 'skins.

Two Keys to a Ram Upset

Force Turnovers:  The 'skins have played five games, essentially without a turnover. (Randle El muffed one punt—that's it). The main thing the Redskins don't want to happen is to cough up the ball early and let St. Louis get a decent lead. If that happens, the Rams can shorten the game.

Run Downhill: The Redskins will likely be without defensive tackle Cornelius Griffith. His shoulder is acting up and there's a good chance he won't play. His interior rush and run stopping abilities will be missed. The Rams have a superb runner in Steven Jackson, who, like the Giants massive tailback Brandon Jacobs, is a downhill runner. If the Rams get a lead, they might do what the Redskins did to Dallas and Philly—run the clock with a time-consuming ground game.

Will this happen? Unlikely. For one thing Coach Zorn appears to have mastered motivational skills. (The team even gave up a day off to come in and work this week).  For another, he'll stay aggressive, and likely build a big lead early, then run the clock himself. Or, if the passing game dominates, just score some more though the air. The Rams defense has been porous, and despite the bye week and coaching change, not likely to step it up this week.

Alexander and Montgomery can fill in for Griffith in the defensive tackle rotation, and it's likely Marcus Washington, Shawn Springs, and perhaps Jason Taylor will be back in the lineup.

Next to Last Word:  It's my weekly "this week the rookie receivers break through" prediction. I hereby predict that Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly and Fred Davis--the 'skins second round receiver corps--each catch at least one ball.

Last Word: The Washington Post reported this week that sources say Pacman Jones won't be suspended by Commissioner Roger Goodell for his latest alleged misbehavior. You know what that means? It means the display case in Jerry Jones office in Dallas contains three balls--the Game Ball from Dallas' last Superbowl win, and Goodell's.

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Cork's Seven Keys to Grounding the Eagles

If you've read 'skins blogs lately, you've noted that Redskin fans haven't been this high since a weed truck overturned at FedEx. This optimism has been a long time coming and few, myself included, ever expected the team to be 3-1. I expected a 1-4 start, which shows you what I know.

If I had to pick a single reason for the success, it would be Jim Zorn. Give me a second vote and it would add in the team's overall good health. And last and certainly not least, Auburn. Say what?

Okay, make that Auburn's alumni. It looked for a while that the Redskins two first round War Eagle selections four years ago were wasted. But this year QB Jason Campbell and CB Carlos Rogers have arrived in force. (Marcus Washington is also from Auburn)

Campbell has benefited, no doubt, from Zorn's tutelage, and an established willingness to work as hard as anyone to improve his game. Rogers, on the other hand, has not. According to defensive honcho Greg Blache, a light went on in Rogers dome this season, and a man who once tried to glide by on athletic skill has not only become a film room junkie, but opened his ear to the advice of vets like Shawn Springs and Fred Smoot.

If there was a single moment when Rogers arrived, it was last week, in the second half when he defended three straight passes to T.O. after Springs had retired with a bad calf.

So. What have you done for us lately, Carlos?

This week presents a new series of challenges. Unlike the Cardinal and Cowboys games, the lead receiver concerning the 'skins won't be a powerful veteran WR like Anquon Boldin or Terrell Owens, but the skittery, elusive deep threat DeSean Jackson.  Complicating factors are Reggie Brown, who always plays well against the Redskins, and the good health of Donovan McNabb. If Bryan Westbrook is fully recovered from his ankle, Philadelphia's offense figures to be the toughest the Redskins will face all year.

With that thought in mind, here's:

Cork's Seven Keys to Beating the Eagles.

1. Limit turnovers. Always a key to winning, the Redskins have yet to turn the ball over this year. That streak will come to an end, probably this week. Philly's blitzes can lead to tipped passes and blindside hits. Just make sure they cough it up more than the good guys.

2. Continue Imaginative Running Game. This is not your grandfather's run offense. Sure, Zorn kept the old stuff, but his new plays—which actually involve fakes and deception--have set up the offense. Keeping the Eagles mobile defenders off balance is key. Also, keep Sellers in front of Portis. The pride of Walla Walla is on his way to an all-pro season.

3. Let the Big Dogs Eat. Not just the linemen, but isn't it about time Redskins big receivers started earning their pay? Sure Cooley is a force, but what about WR Devin Thomas and always injured rookie Malcolm Kelly? These large targets should be employed, especially in the Red Zone. I know, I know, every week I say Thomas will break out, and every week I'm wrong. But since knowledgeable fans believe the 'skins would have been better off picking Philly's Jackson instead of these stiffs, this week their competitive juices should be flowing.

4. Send a Thank You Bouquet to the Philadelphia Weatherman: The Redskins can expect the no-huddle from the Eagles, especially if they fall behind.  The 'skins rotated eight defensive linemen against Dallas in the heat and humidity, but the no-huddle hampers such a rotation. Fortunately, the weather is predicted to be in the mid-sixties.

5. Keep Campbell Mobile: Doesn't need a lot of rollouts, but needs to move in the pocket to offset the blitz. A few QB draws early on can freeze LBs, especially if Philadelphia is in Man coverage. Yes, the West Coast offense can dink and dunk all day long, but that won't work unless they are loosened up with at least the threat of the long pass.

6. Hit Hit Hit: The Redskins have been tackling well and hitting hard. It is critical that this continues Sunday, not only to force turnovers, but to compensate for Philly's size advantage. (The Eagles OLine is the biggest in the NFL.) On D, CBs will vary press coverage with some smart zones. Landry needs to play centerfield and unload on deep routes.

7. Out Coach 'em. Zorn has this team buying into his version of the West Coast offense. His learning curve for play calling has been spectacular. Greg Blache's defense has proven as effective as his predecessor's. Danny Smith's Special Teams stood up well against Dallas. The Eagles may be more talented and know the clock is ticking on their own Superbowl Chances, but smart play compensates.

My feeling about this Redskin team is it's a very strong squad as long as it remains healthy, but critically thin at several positions. If Westbrook can go for the Eagles and is effective, the 'skins could be in deep trouble. With no T.O. whining about getting the ball on every play, it is unlikely Philly will avoid using the running game like Dallas did.

I look for them to pound the ball, trying to get the 'skins defense to move up and set up the long ball to Jackson, Baskett or Brown. The 'skins can avoid this by scoring early and often and then keeping the ball out of McNabb's hands—no mean fete.

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A Fond Farewell to the Hole-in-the-Roof Gang

Well now, that seemed to go well. Before I go gaga for the Burgundy and Gold, let me say some kind things to ease the burden of pain for Cowboys fans….

Naah. Just kidding. Rot in your hole-in-the-roof Hell, suckers.

Thanks, I feel much better now. But in all honesty, there are two ameliorating factors that could make it tougher next time out against the 'pokes. First, Dallas was coming off two huge games. They outlasted Philadelphia at home then went to Green Bay to top the Packers.  (Okay, maybe the Packers aren't all that after all, but they didn't know it at the time.) It isn't easy getting a team up three games in a row, especially when everyone expects you to win, it's a home game, and you're playing against a rookie coach.

The other factor was the bizarre run game. Marion Barber didn't handle the pigskin enough to get his hands dirty and Felix Jones didn't have a single carry or pass reception. The theory is they were afraid to hurt T.O.'s feelings—he demands the ball or sulks. But I think Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett just forgot.

ROMO: Um, Coach, the running plays are missing from my playbook.

BARBER: Me too, coach.

GARRETT: Dammit! I was gonna come up with plays but the dog had to be walked, the Buick tuned, and I had to re-order formula for T.O. You know how he loves those strained beets…

Hey, it could happen.

Am I Psychic or What?

Let's look back to last week's column and my "Seven Keys to Beating Dallas," see how I did.

1.Redskins come to play; Dallas is flat. CHECK. Dallas didn't have the fire Sunday. Redskins did.

2. Frustrate Romo.  PARTIAL.  Romo had a pretty good day. One successful onside kick and they might be praising him for a comeback.

3. Stop Barber.  CHECK. Okay, maybe the Redskins didn't so much stop Barber as the Cowboys did. 

4. Control the ball on offense. CHECK. Had the ball for more than 38 minutes with ball control drives.

5. Dominate both lines.  CHECK. At least as much as Dallas' huge, young and effective lines can be dominated. But Campbell stayed upright most the game and Portis ran for more than 120 yards, so that's dominating play. And while Romo wasn't sacked, he was contained in the pocket.

6. A surprise star. CHECK. Let's see, who is it? Horton had another pick, but he'd already had two. Springs shut down TO until he got hurt, no shocker there. Campbell had another great game. Everyone knows how Moss tortures Dallas. Jon Jansen filled in well at tackle, but he's an old vet… Hmmm. Wait, I know --ZORN!

7. Win the Special teams. CHECK. Punter Brooks averaged 46 yards per kick, and nobody ran one back all the way for Dallas. NO turnovers on special teams or elsewhere.

I'll save my "Keys to Beating the Eagles" until later this week as I want to savor this one a little longer. Skins fans, bloggers, columnists and other experts have all weighed in with analyses and theories, but I haven't seen one other possible key to success mentioned:

Let's call it the "U" Factor. "U" of course is the University of Miami. I've never been a fan of the Hurricanes, but I have to admit they have produced players who are not only talented, but tough as nails.

And until recently, I think the Redskins have lacked a certain toughness. I can still visualize the hangdog look on Redskin faces as Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith and other Cowboys left the field laughing and joking after another win. Dallas had the Redskins number. They were not only more talented, but, it seemed, they had a certain degree of toughness lacking on Redskin teams.

The 'skins have gotten tougher and more intimidating and some of it is due to the influx of Miami players—not just any players, but stars. Linebacker Rocky McIntosh wasn't supposed to be effective until midseason this year, coming back from major knee surgery—but that's one tough guy who is back in the lineup. They don't come any tougher than Santana Moss and Clinton Portis--with one exception—the intimidating former Hurricane, the late Sean Taylor.

I think arriving with a chip on your shoulder—told you weren't good enough because you were too small or too short or came from a small school—also breeds a special toughness. If I had to walk down a dark alley and could choose one bodyguard, it would be the pride of Walla-Walla Community College—Mike Sellers—who should be on his way to the Pro Bowl this year as starting fullback.

If he wasn't available, cut me a slice of a sawed off linebacker who's also from a small college, London Fletcher of Division III John Carroll, which he attended after transferring from even more obscure St. Francis. 

Odd Thought to End On

If someone said the Redskins would draft a starting safety, a rotation DE and a starting 46-yard-average punter with their three #2 picks, they'd probably be happy. And if the three receivers they picked in the sixth and seventh rounds didn't do squat, well that figures, right? But it's the opposite. Zero catches for the Terrific Trio of receivers picked in the Second round, but some low picks shine. Safety Horton is a budding star, Rob Jackson effectively spelled Andre Carter at DE, and punter Brooks delivered.

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Redskin's Hope...Slip Slidin' Away?

Going into the Dallas game with several key players injured is a little like General George S. Patton taking on Rommel's Panzers after learning some of his best tanks were in the shop.

Like Patton, who was usually outgunned and faced superior weaponry, the 'skins will have to out-think, outflank, out-maneuver and certainly out-hit the hated Cowboys to have a chance Sunday.

They need to control the skies, too, if that's not carrying the war metaphor too far.

While my athletic days are far behind me, I can identify with at last one dinged-up Redskin Sunday—one who won't play at all, and in so (not) doing, end a 133-game consecutive starting streak. Long ago, I had a similar injury.

The player is DE Jason Taylor; a man who had more dips and spins Dancing with the Stars last winter than he's had sacks and tackles struggling with Olines this fall.   

Taylor suffered what is being referred to as "Compartment Syndrome" after being kicked in the calf Sunday. In layman's terms, his calf was bleeding internally, and the blood had no place to go. It filled up like a water balloon and had to be drained. It was so serious, that had Taylor waited, he might have suffered career-ending nerve damage.

No one seems sure how much time he will miss. Estimates range from an optimistic "one week" to "a month or two." I might have some insights as to recovery time.

A Crash Course in Skiing

I went skiing while in college. And I ski with the grace and elegance of an orangutan tumbling down a flight of stairs. I was also stupider than I am now—honest—and didn't let a little thing like incompetence keep me off slopes I had no business attempting.

Since I didn't even know how to snow plough, and because I figured colliding with other skiers, trees, or chairlift stanchions was a bad thing, I came up with a technique for stopping. I fell.

I fell on my hip and then skidded to a halt. I got up again and skied on until I was going too fast again, at which point, I hit the slopes (literally) again.

Don't know how many times I fell, but since conditions were icy, it was more than was healthy for the human hip. As I readied myself for Après Ski—the only reason for going skiing—I discovered what had once been a normal-size hip had become a warm, red, sidesaddle, My hearthside come on: "Hey, baby, wanna go to my room and see my swollen hip?" was somehow rejected and the next day I went to the school's infirmary.

When the doc saw me, he took one look and said, "Holy Crap, we have to get you to a real doctor." Who knew colleges saved a buck by hiring med students, docs who'd lost their license, and out and out frauds. 

I raced over to the nearest hospital, where they used a cartoon-size needle and filled a quart jug with claret.  I could have made a Bloody Mary from it as I had self-anesthetized with Vodka before seeking treatment.

I was given antibiotics and bandages, and told to change the dressing every few days. It's been a few years, but if memory serves it took a couple of weeks to get better. And here's where there is a lesson for Mr. Taylor.

I felt like a normal human. In my case, however, I thought wrestling around at the fraternity house a "normal" activity. I don't recall re-injuring myself but shortly afterwards I was in agony with the same hip re-swollen to its previous dimensions. It was Deja Dummy all over again and I had to get re-drained.

A few more visits like that and I could start my own saloon, but it hurt, so this time I did nothing more physical than twiddling my thumbs for a month. Never had the problem again. I also never skied again, which proved I was getting smarter.

Lesson for Jason

So while Jason Taylor may be ready to play in a few weeks, the chances of re-injury remain. If he had been performing like MVP Jason Taylor before his latest injury that would be a big loss to the Redskins. As it is, it's just another indication the Front Office should have stuck with its new plan to build through the draft instead of bringing in overpaid, over-the-hill castaways from other teams.

As Washington gets ready to play the team Bill Parcells helped build into The Monster That Is Dallas, perhaps Vinny Cerrato and Dan Snyder will take that lesson to heart.  They traded away a second round pick to the Tuna to get Taylor—who's turned out to be damaged goods.

In other injury news:  Tackle Stephon Heyer has practiced and may play. Sore-legged rookie WR Malcolm Taylor will miss yet another week as he tries to recover from a high ankle sprain. Can't help you there, Malcolm—never had one of those.

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Seven Keys to beating the Cowboys

And now Washington readies itself for the onslaught, victim of the folly of the current administration, unable to halt the unstoppable tide, all but powerless to stem the inevitable, waiting for a change at the top, steeling itself for the slaughter to come.  But enough about the Redskins worrying about the Dallas Cowboy s, what are we gonna do about the economy?

Got no solutions there but I should be more optimistic about the Redskins. The 'skins are on a two game winning streak. Dallas is coming off two emotional victories over Philadelphia and Green Bay and due for a letdown. Right? Huh? Please? Do the 'skins have a chance against what looks like this year's version of last year's Patriot juggernaut? Let's see.

As Ed Harris said in the movie Apollo 13 while trying to assess the status of the damaged space capsule: "What do we have that's good?"

Well, they've been pretty healthy of late, especially in these critical areas:

Offensive Line: The O-line entered the season returning two injured vets but with little depth. Not only had the starters on the right side--guard Randy Thomas and Tackle Jon Jansen--missed most of last season, but Jansen was benched for second year player Stephon Heyer. All things considered, the right side has made nice progress. With perennial all pro Chris Samuels at left tackle and ancient warrior Pete Kendall healthy at left guard, that side led the running game this year. Steady vet Casey Rabach is solid at center. 

Linebackers: London Fletcher is the glue in the middle and remains a (stumpy) tower of strength. Rocky MacIntosh, who was coming into his own last year before his season ending knee injury, appears back at full strength. Marcus Washington has been dinged more than a Demolition Derby contestant, but very good when healthy.

Defensive Backs: Healthy, Shawn Springs is the closest thing to a shut down corner the redskins have—ask Anquan Boldin. Springs essentially took him out of the mix Sunday. Carlos Rogers is playing well, and Smoot is a good nickel. And Landry is Landry.

The Bad News 

The skins will be down at least two starters against Dallas:

Jason Taylor will miss the game with a calf bruise and it looks like Heyer's injured shoulder will keep him on the bench.

Taylor will be replaced by Demetric Evans, who at 285 is forty pounds heavier. Evans is not as good a pass rusher as Taylor was, but then, neither is Taylor. Taylor only had one tackle and no sacks against the Cards, but deflected three passes. Being six-six, Taylor does what smart defenders do when they can't get to the passer—raise their arms and hope to deflect the pass. Credit to the wily vet for doing that. If the acting doesn't work out, perhaps Jason can try Beach Volleyball for his second career.

Taylor would have been a stain on the carpet against Dallas' run game--and Evans should do better. It's unlikely Erasmus James will be much help. They may try jack-of-all-trades, Lorenzo Alexander.

The Redskins can beat Dallas, but they'll need just about everything to go perfectly.

Seven Keys

1. Redskins come to play; Dallas is flat. It is hard to stay fired up for three straight games against tough opponents.

2. Frustrate Romo. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache has simplified predecessor Gregg Williams complex schemes, but it might be time to get creative. He'll need to blitz from odd angles and unexpectedly. The skins can use press coverage outside with LaRon Landry in centerfield protecting deep, but if Romo gets time, its game over and the rout will be on.

3. Stop Barber. He needs to be stopped in the backfield. Judicious blitzing fills run gaps, too.

4. Control the ball of offense. The West Coast offense is a ball control offense and long drives that lead to touchdowns (not field goals) can offset Dallas's strengths. Portis must gain over 100 yards to set up the passing game. With extra time to get open, Santana Moss can continue to torture Dallas.

5. Dominate both lines. Yes, it's the oldest cliché in football, and like most old clichés, it's true. Dallas may have the best O-line in the NFL, and if they control the line of scrimmage, the game is over early. Likewise, if Campbell is harassed in the pocket and Portis can't run.

6. A surprise star. The 'skins need a player to step up unexpectedly. Horton 's three turnovers helped beat New Orleans. Carlos "Hands of Stone" Rogers spectacular sealed Sunday's game. Perhaps the unluckiest Redskins Sunday was rookie Devin Thomas, who lost a big gain due to offensive interference, and a touchdown due to a personal foul penalty. The kid is due for a big game. Will this be the week?

7. Win the Special teams. The 'skins can't keep up with the Jones if they allow Felix or Adam to run wild of special teams. Durant Brooks, the punter who has become Jim Zorn's personal punching bag, needs a big game.  .

If the Redskins prevail in all seven areas, they can win Sunday. If they falter in even one or two, they will lose. More than that, and it will be a blowout.

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Is it in Cards for Rookies to Finally Shine?

What makes the early season guessing game particularly difficult is scoping out the development pace of new players. Each NFL entry is a combination of vets, rookies and young players just starting to come into their own—or not.

For the Redskins, the young guys include Linebackers Rocky MacIntosh and H.B. Blades and DBs Carlos Rogers, LaRon Landry and Reed Doughty.

On offense, young vets getting playing time pretty much begin and end with quarterback Jason Campbell. Okay, throw in tackle Stephon Heyer.

While young vets at least have a track record in the pros, rookies are even harder to figure.

If you were to predict one of the ten Redskins draftees least likely to win Player of the Week honors in his first start, you go with the LAST guy the redskins drafted--a seventh round safety named Chris Horton . You'd be wrong. Horton earned Defensive Player the Week honors for his two interception, one fumble recovery game against New Orleans.

What is vexing Redskin fans now is the (non-) performance of their three second round receivers, whose combined receptions to date can be toted up on the fingers of one hand.  Meanwhile, division rival Philadelphia owns the pick of the litter with their second rounder, DeSean Jackson, who has excelled despite his bonehead play against Dallas. Denver is ecstatic about their second round WR, Eddie Royal, who caught the winning pass and two-point conversion against the Chargers. The 'skins could have had either.

But enough about the past, Redskins receivers, what about this week? Is this the week at least one of the Redskin investments breaks through with an outstanding performance? Could be. After Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El, it gets thin, and vet James Thrash is nursing a high ankle sprain.

My instincts say the breakout won't come from WR Malcolm Kelly or TE Fred Davis. Kelly, who seems to re-tweak an old injury or start a new one just getting up in the morning, missed some practice this week. He got hurt catching his one pass against New Orleans. Everyone thinks the kid has great potential if he can ever stay healthy (or get in shape) but his frequent leg injuries—going back to Oklahoma—remain an area of concern.

Davis plays behind All-Pro TE Chris Cooley, who woke up to catch five passes last week, and still had time to inadvertently post a page of the redskin playbook and a picture of his junk on his Blog . 

That leaves WR Devin Thomas . He's "not ready" says Zorn. He only seems comfortable with the deep routes. This either means he's a slow learner of the offense, or shy about going over the middle.

Still there are options. The 'skins can run a two TE set and send Cooley and Davis inside and Moss deep, If they go three wide, Moss and Thomas are deep threats opening up the middle for Cooley or screens.

It strikes me as preposterous that the two of the three Redskins 2^nd round receivers showed up out of shape and all three, apparently, are having troubles learning the offense.

In defense of the Redskin picks, most so-called experts had the terrific trio three at or near the top of the receiver class before the draft. Anticipating whether they will be busts or eventual offensive threats once they learn the offense, get in shape and get healthy isn't easy.

So, call me a cockeyed optimist, but I think Thomas has a big game this week. He's due, and the Cards are likely to double Moss, leaving Thomas one-on-one at times.

As for the game itself, I'm cautiously optimistic—based on past history, anyway. If the 'skins are to make it two in a row, they can also thank scheduling and matchups. Arizona doesn't travel well, an advantage to the home folks. The Cards also don't feature a power running game, which means the lightweight Redskin DEs should not be trampled.  Jason Taylor’s knee is feeling better, so he should be able to pressure Kurt Warner and add to his sack total.

With LaRon Landry finally healthy and back playing centerfield, the corners can play more press coverage and you might look for the linebackers and safeties to blitz more

The major fly in that ointment is that Warner is a wily old vet who can pick apart a D given time and if allowed to get in rhythm.

Plus, Card WRs Fitzgerald and Boldin are big, fast receivers who can wear out and wear down the Redskin DBs as the game goes along.

Redskins First Win is Something to Savor, Honor

I'm going to savor this one. I'm going to ignore the shortcomings for now and just focus on the positive. In fact, I'm even gonna hand out prizes.

Cork's Weekly Awards

Maybe He Is Ready for Prime Time Prize: To Jim Zorn. Coach designed and called an excellent game. And, on the hottest day ever at FedEx, he used an obscure rule to give his team an advantage in the heat. You cannot erect shade or awnings that help your team but not the opponent. But if the awnings are held by maintenance men and not installed, you have no obligation to provide similar shade to the other team. So give a game ball to a half-dozen sore-armed workmen who kept the team shaded.

Bret Favre Last-Second Win Award: To Jason Campbell. Until Sunday, Campbell had never authored a fourth quarter last second win for the 'skins. Not only did he end that streak, but he audibled the critical play—a 67 yard bomb to Santana Moss—and moved a back from the "I" up toward the line to handle a blitzer. Campbell had two other crucial clutch passes—a 24 yard toss to Chris Cooley from the end zone for a critical first down, and a 4^th and 2 throw zipped to Moss to seal the victory.

The Gimpy Give It a Gutsy Go Crown: To the Redskin Walking Wounded. Guys playing hurt and recovering from various surgeries stepped it up Sunday. Jason Taylor, who re-injured his knee Sunday returned, played well, and got his first Redskins sack. Linebacker H.B. Blades, who had a knee scoped this summer, filled in well for Marcus Washington, and LB Rocky MacIntosh played up to his pre-knee surgery level. Safety LaRon Landry, showing no signs of his preseason hamstring issues, and guard Randy Thomas seemed fully recovered from last year's season-ending Biceps surgery.

The More Than Everything You Wanted to Know About Chris Cooley Cup: To Tight End Chris Cooley. Chris has made more news on his blog than on the field going into yesterday's game. Sunday, he made a huge impact on both. He had a first rate game catching five passes and blocking well. He also accidentally posted a self-portrait of his private parts on his blog, and had to issue an apology. Live by the Blog…die by he blog.

The Honey baked Hammy Honor: To Santana Moss. Lest we forget, when Moss isn't hamstrung with, er, hamstring pulls, he is among the very best receivers in the NFL. His legs were just fine, Sunday, and his YAC (yards after catch) factor—a critical element in Zorn's West Coast Offense was more than impressive.

The Best Thing That Happened to UCLA All Weekend Award: To Safety Chris Horton. On Saturday, the pride of Westwood, the UCLA Bruins, got slobberknocked by BYU, 59-0. Bruin alum Horton, a seventh round rookie not expecting to play defense, found out Sunday morning that he was starting because Reed Doughty couldn't stop barfing his lungs out. All Horton did was scoop up a fumble and grab two deflected passes for interceptions.

The Clinton Portis Put Up, Not Shut Up Prize: To Clinton Portis, who roiled the waters by calling out his offensive line in the media last week, then ran like the Portis of old behind some inspired line play.

Honorary Hog Hard Hitter Honor: To Mike Sellers. The 275 pound fullback blocked like a runaway dump truck, leading Portis into the end zone on one run, cutting down ends and linebackers to make sweeps work, and giving a perfectly timed push that kept a defender off Campbell long enough for the QB to hit Moss with the crucial touchdown.

The Jim Zorn Number One Award: To Jim Zorn. Great coaches manage the smallest details. Yesterday, Zorn told his team to be sure to take a leak at halftime to enable more room for more liquids and thus ensure hydration through the second half. No one cramped up, or needed to run off the field for a bathroom emergency during the game.

The Enjoy It While It Lasts Prize: To the Redskins, who next face the red hot Arizona Cardinals and old nemesis, QB Kurt Warner, and then must go on the road to face Dallas and Philadelphia.

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Will Second Round Rookies Pay Off This Week?

It was a Redskins fan's fevered dream—a heavenly passing attack that would raise hell with defensive coordinators who had to face it. The Burgundy and Gold would leap from lamentable to unstoppable, from worst to first, from pathetic to prolific.

And it all happened in one swell foop, as newly crowned Redskin Genius-in-Chief, Vincent Cerrato, pulled some draft day magic and scooped up the passing attack of the 21^st Century in a bold lightning-like blitzkrieg.

With three deuces in hand, Vinny struck. BLAM! Devin Thomas, 6'2" 220, swift Spartan from Michigan State was in the fold. 

KABLAM!! A surprise to some, Vinny unexpectedly snatched up a John Mackey-award winner from the campus of Southern Cal, grabbing 6'3" 250 pound tight end Fred Davis, to supplement bookend pro-bowler Chris Cooley, and putting the kind of pressure on the middle of enemy defenses that not only would be formidable, but would also open up the outside.

With a last second-rounder left, the pundits and rocket surgeons knew the Redskins would pluck a lineman to reinforce their aging Oline, or give them a pass rusher on defense.  But read-it-and-weap, sucker--Vinny was just getting warmed up. KABLOOEY!!! Come on down, Mr. Malcolm Kelly, all 6'4" 230 pounds of you, from the great state of Oklahoma.

Oh sure, pundits scoffed, experts called it overkill—but the last laugh would be Vinny and the Redskins, fans hoped.

Well the seasons went round and round and sure enough it was spring practice. The new guys impressed in shorts and shirts—when they showed. Fred Davis earned the nickname "Alarm Clock" by sleeping in and missing a mandatory practice. No harm, no foul, Head Coach Jim Zorn said. Rookie mistake. "I'm sorry," said Fred. "Won't happen again."

Finally training camp arrived. All three receivers had inked their contracts and were on hand for practice. Well, for a while. Devin pulled a hammy, and Malcolm, too. The latter tried to come back, limped some more, and ended up undergoing arthroscopic surgery.

Just a bad break, right coach? Uh, no. Coach Zorn said both men showed up out of shape. The clear implication was that bad conditioning had lead to the injuries, set back their timetable, and hurt the team. Zorn is a West coast offense kind of guy. The WCO requires large receivers, like the draftees. Soon free agent pickups stepped into the breach—guys named Anthony Mix and Billy McMullen. You just can't stop a personnel genius like Cerrato, people muttered—until final cuts and Billy and Tony were told to hit the road.

Came the first game of the season and the terrific trio were (essentially) non-players. Kelly, still recovering from his knee, was inactive. Devin Thomas was—and caught all of one pass, running the wrong route and failing to get a first down. Fred Davis? Healthy and on time—was also told his services wouldn't be needed and inactive for the game.

To add insult to injury, the division rival Philadelphia Eagles wear delighted with the second round WR they drafted. DeSean Jackson has been dubbed a likely rookie-of-the-year candidate as a receiver and returner. Meanwhile a national audience got to see Denver's second rounder, Eddie Royal, catch nine passes in his debut.

But readers of that most enthusiastic home team house organ, "Redskins.com" had to have their hopes rekindled as game two approaches.

The blog said Wednesday: "Devin Thomas looked both strong and enthusiastic today."

Also: "Malcolm Kelly was participating fully, and he too impressed coach Zorn…"

And last, but not least: "Zorn called today 'the best day' from Fred Davis since training camp began."

Based on that, one might expect a coming out party against the Saints for Cerrato's terrific trio. Except of course for the fact that the best strategy may mean running the ball and shortening the game. Drew Brees' high-powered offense and the Redskins issues against the run mean it's likely that controlling the rock is the best idea.

But it's about time the fans got some return on their investment of enthusiasm. Sure, receivers take a while to develop, but Cerrato and Zorn could use some good news, and finding out the three guys taken with your top picks aren't disappointments would go a long way to improving morale at Redskin Park. A win would be nice, too.

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The Good News ?: It Could Have Been Worse, Much Worse

First impressions from the Redskins season-opening 16-7 loss to the Superbowl champs:

THE BAD NEWS

TWO-MINUTE DRILL? WHAT TWO MINUTE DRILL?: Where was the hurry up offense? A hot humid night, Giants cramping up and thin on the defensive line... A hurry up offense--at least at times—might have provided some needed offensive pop. Even in the final minutes of the game, down two scores, the Redskins offensive pace could best be described as casual. Time and again they wasted precious seconds instead of hustling to the line and getting the next play off.

WHERE WERE THE TIGHT ENDS?: The Redskins have a pro bowl tight end in Chris Cooley. Then, in the second round, they drafted another receiving tight end, USC Mackey Award winner Fred Davis. Neither were used to great effect in the preseason. Last night, Davis was on the inactive list and Cooley caught one, count 'em one, pass. He still made some highlight reels, mostly missing blocks on Giant defensive ends. With Moss and Randle El also largely ineffective last night, one wonders when Zorn will involve such seemingly powerful offensive weapons as Cooley and Davis.

LIGHTWEIGHT ENDS, AGING CORNERS: I sound like a broken record here, but it bears repeating. The trade for Jason Taylor left the Redskins starting two undersized defensive ends. When the Giants offense was effective, it was often because their 264-pound tailback was pounding behind a 266-pound fullback and a 325-pound tackle. The brave but gimpy Taylor's 244-pound frame was either shunted aside or driven back time and time again. (Ask LaRon Landry or Reed Doughty, who both got mashed by Jacobs, how much fun that was for them, too.)

Taylor was never a factor as a pass rusher, either, last night--perhaps due to his sore feet and bad knee. Andre Carter, 250 pounds, was slightly more effective on the other side. The trouble is, it is hard for a defense to compensate for two featherweight DEs. With a solid anchor at one side, the line and the backers can cheat over to help the pass rush specialist against the run. When the 'skins subbed Demetric Evans (285) for Taylor, they were more effective against the run.

Cornerback Shawn Springs, 33, has the tinsel strength of a ceramic teacup. A great defensive cover when healthy, he's never healthy, it seems. He was a no-show against the Giants, inactive with a "calf injury." His replacement as starter, Fred Smoot, age 29, didn't last the game. Rookie safety Chris Horton ended Smoot's night with an accidental knee to the hip. Horton, who comes from UCLA with a rep for hurting when he hits, should be advised to hurt the guys in different color unis next time. Springs and Smoot should play next Sunday, says Coach Zorn.

NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME PLAYERS: Clinton Portis doesn't play in the preseason. So the first game or two is his preseason. It showed. By the end of the game, he was running like the old Portis. One aspect of his game was in midseason form--pass blocking. Ask Giant DE Mathias Kiwanuka, who was crushed by Portis on one play. Safety LaRon Landry was hurt most of the preseason and rusty. He got better as the game went along. Linebacker Rocky MacIntosh and corner Carlos Rogers, recovering from season-ending knee injuries last year, also appeared not back to full speed.

TOO LITTLE, TOO OLD, TOO LATE?:  Pundits Trey Wingo and ex-Redskin Mark Schlereth were on the radio today (Friday) talking about the Dallas Cowboys. One of them—I think it was Schlereth—said he was at the Cowboys training camp and they were "the biggest team I've ever seen." The Redskins, by comparison, are puny. The Oline is among the smallest in the NFL and everyone on it is 30 or older. We mentioned the smallish DEs the skins have, but in a league where 325-350 pound nose tackles who can shut down a running game are critical, the Redskins are also undersized. As a result, the skins are forced to play two three-technique DTs.

INEXPERIENCED COACH: Remember this was Jim Zorn's first game as head coach and first game calling the offense. Neither was impressive, but both areas should improve significantly. There are two dangers for the rookie coach, however. One, Zorn could lose the team in the first five weeks. with its brutal schedule that includes games against the Saints and at Dallas and Philly. Two, Snyder/Cerrato's notorious impatience may come into play. On the other hand, Cerrato did keep all ten of his draftees. Since he also picked Zorn as head coach, he may feel similarly obligated to give him a chance to learn on the job.

Zorn's inexperience showed up in at least three primary areas, Thursday. First and most obvious was play-calling. Counting the last two preseason games and season opener, the Redskins have averaged about four points a game. At one point the Giants had out-gained the Redskins 226 yards to 16.

Handing Zorn the reins as head coach despite no experience as coach, coordinator, or even sideline play caller, looks like an irresponsible move. And the Redskins Front Office even managed to make some enemies doing it. Owner Snyder and lieutenant Cerrato jerked around a number of dues-paying members of the Old-Boy coaching fraternity. Former Redskins Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was left to twist slowly in the wind waiting for an offer he expected, but never came. Then, according to reports, Giant defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, former Giant head coach Jim Fassel, Indianapolis defensive coordinator Ron Meeks, and even former coach, current commentator Steve Mariucci were considered and  rejected.

Sure, coaches are interviewed without getting the gig all the time, but the perception of disorganization and indecisiveness didn't enhance the Redskins image. And payback's a bitch; so far Williams and Spagnuolo have gone against Zorn's 'skins and held them to three and seven points, respectively.

THE GOOD NEWS

It was Zorn's first game, he'll get better. There were no season-ending injuries. The O-line pass blocked well. Heyer filled in nicely for Jansen. Portis looked good. Rock Cartwright looked good on Teams, Durrant Brooks didn't get a case of the shanks, Jason Taylor, Rocky Mac and Carlos Rogers knees continue to heal, LaRon Landry's hammy didn't re-pull. Rookie WR Malcolm Kelly should be ready to play. They have nine days to prepare for the next game, so even rookie WR Devin Thomas may learn the playbook by then. And there should also be time to install a hurry-up offense.

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Let the Games Begin: Redskins Versus Giants

I sold my Ouija Board during college, my Magic Eight Ball and busted open years ago, and PETA stole my lucky rabbit's foot. So I'm not good at predicting.

Of course, none of that ever stopped me before. Lets' see how it breaks down Thursday Night.

A GIANT ADVANTAGE

Home Everything Advantage:  The Giants have been given every advantage. They have the home field. They have the emotional surge of first post-Superbowl outting before the Giant faithful. They have a veteran, validated coach taking on a guy who has never been a Head Coach, or even a coordinator before--in his very first game.

Quarterback Advantage: In Eli Manning, the Giants have a quarterback who came into his prime last year. He goes against against Jason Campbell, who has yet to (and may never) arrive. Eli's coming off a come-from-behind Superbowl win. Campbell has been forced to learn his seventh offensive system in eight years of college and pro ball. His teacher is an eleven year pro quarterback and former QB coach who tore up his mechanics and made him throw differently. In the long run that's good. In the short—it has yet to bear fruit.

Offensive Advantage: The 'skins #2 receiver, Antwaan Randle El, has a broken hand, but will play, and the third wideout is aging warhorse James Thrash. The 'skins two 2^nd round rookies were hurt and/or failed to impress in the preseason. The starting offense is coming off two rotten performances in their last two preseason games. Jon Jansen, verteran tackle, has been demoted.

Defense Edge, Too: The Redskins defense is dinged. Top safety LaRon Landry is returning from a preseason hamstring injury. Jason Taylor has a knee and may not play, or will play at less than 100%. Linebackers Marcus Washington and Rocky MacIntosh are returning from injuries, as is corner Carlos Williams.

Some Giant Issues: Not that the Giants are invulnerable. The Redskins biggest advantage in the season opener is potential overconfidence on the other side of the field. And New Jersey's finest aren't without significant losses themselves.  Sure, they won in the playoffs and Superbowl without him, but not having Jeremy Shockey at tight end hurts Big Blue. Pressure is on TE Kevin Boss. Plaxico Burress, who tortures the Redskins annually, has been dinged in the preseason, but pronounced himself ready.

But it's on the other side of the ball, where the Giants have been hardest hit. Three Superbowl forces are gone. First ballot Hall of Fame Defensive end Michael Strahan retired. Linebacker Kawika Mitchell skedaddled to greener pastures. Pro-bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora had season ending knee surgery.

HOW THE REDSKINS CAN WIN

Gimme a Break: Part of the answer is out of their control—they must get every break on the field. Tipped passes need to nestle in Redskins arms before hitting the ground. Fumbles need to bounce their way. Giant defensive back's toes need to stub on tall blades of grass as Redskin receivers race by.

As Long as You Have Your Health: The 'skins need all their dinged up players who might play back and ready to give 100%. An outbreak of E Coli at the Giants pre-game meal wouldn't hurt, but is probably too much to ask for.

Score Early and Often: Next the Redskins need to score—a lot--preferably through the running game. They need to chew clock and score touchdowns when they reach the Red Zone. This has two major advantages--it keeps Manning off the field and forces the Giants to pass more when they do have the ball. I'd much prefer the Redskin lightweight DEs Taylor and Carter rushing the passer than trying to stop the run all day.

Beginner's Luck: Zorn needs a huge dose of beginners luck. And by that, I mean he needs to call a near perfect game and catch the aforementioned breaks. I believe Zorn will someday be a terrific coach, but not without the growing pains all new head coaches go through.

AND THE WINNER IS…

The 'skins have a brutal first five games, including three on the road against NFC East opponents, plus home games the Saints and the improving Arizona Cardinals. For Zorn to get his chance to get better, he has to survive that skein to keep from losing the confidence of his team or that of notoriously impatient owner, Dan Snyder.

The optimist says the 'skins could pull off a win against the Giants—they're overdue for some good breaks—but the realist says a New York rout is not out of the question.

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Cuts Made, The Real Season About to Begin

"April is the cruelest month…"—T.S. Elliott 

Far be it from me to argue with a legendary poet, but in the NFL the cruelest month is August. Twenty-two Redskins became former Redskins this weekend after months of sweat, bruises and dreams. For a few, their dreams will continue on the practice squad, or perhaps elsewhere. But for most, it's the end of playing a sport and nurturing a passion that has consumed them most of their lives.

The names of the unfortunates are listed at the end of this column. But first, let's see what things look like for the survivors as they head into the first game of the season.

FIRST OPPONENT: Should be a breeze. I mean the NFL wouldn't be so cruel as to schedule a tough team against a brand new coach, right? Let's see…  Checking the schedule… OMG. The Superbowl Champion New York Giants!!!  Well at least the Redskins should have home field ad…Uh-oh, it's in the Meadowlands. Naturally, the schedule will ease off after that bec…What? THREE of the first FIVE games are @ NFC East opponents?

MIGHTY MO: How about momentum going into the season? Last two games of preseason, the Redskins rolled up six points to their opponent's paltry 71. Well at least it wasn't the starters playing… It was? The starters played for the whole first half against Carolina and the starting offense had three ineffective series against Jacksonville.  Not good.

COACHING: Either Jim Zorn is a great actor, or he's lost his confidence. Both on the sideline and in press conferences, he's gone from a funny, knowledgeable, self-assured Media Dream to a hesitant, confused kid with an expression that says somebody just shot his dog. My sense is Zorn is destined to become a terrific head coach. When and where that will be is the question.  It now appears he was thrown in over his head by owner Dan Snyder and his top lieutenant, Vinny Cerrato. It's a tough learning curve for inexperienced coaches. Will Snyder have the patience with Zorn that Jack Kent Cook had with a young man named Joe Gibbs? Stay tuned.

STRATEGY: Okay, sure it's pre-season. But Zorn is calling plays for the first time, and has never even been an offensive coordinator before. Going against defensive geniuses like Carolina's John Fox and former Redskin Defensive Coordinator, now Jacksonville's Gregg Williams, he couldn't do a thing on offense.  Has Zorn been holding back? Probably. But I'm not sure this team is ready—especially with he brutal start.

POSITION REPORTS

Quarterback: No indication yet that Jason Campbell is comfortable with Zorn's West Coast offense. It took Zorn two years as a position coach to bring Matt Hasselbeck up to speed in Seattle, so that shouldn't be a shock. But aside from a gun for an arm, Campbell has yet to show the skills or consistency necessary to be franchise QB. Colt Brennan may be the future, but—paraphrasing George Allen--The Future is Not Now.

Running Back: Can Clinton Portis carry the load and remain healthy? Will Ladell Betts ever live up to his promise? Will they miss preseason hero Marcus Mason? RB could be a position of strength, but if Zorn's WC passing attack doesn't open things up, it won't be. Plus there's the iffy Oline.

Offensive Line: In their hayday the Redskins great lines, "The Hogs," under Gibbs were among the biggest and most powerful in the NFL. This year's version is among the smallest and oldest.  They've been dominated at times, and vet Jon Jansen's play and ankle injury may have cost him his job at right tackle, with Stephon Heyer stepping in.

Receivers:  Three second round draft picks were spent on receivers. Instant help? Doesn't look like it. WR Malcolm Kelly's knee woes have lead to speculation he may eventually be put on IR. WR Devin Thomas has yet to blossom. TE Fred Thomas has looked decent but unspectacular. Fortunately, vet Santana Moss is healthy, Antwaan Randle El has played well in pre-season, and Tight End Chris Cooley is coming off a pro-bowl year, so the position is solid.

Defensive Line: I believe Jason Taylor to be a great false hope. He's 34, listed at 244 pounds, has sore feet and a knee injury that might keep him out of the Giants game. He'll be gone in a year or two and he cost the Redskins a 2^nd round pick next year.  Carolina ran wild off tackle against the starting defense. Taylor (before his injury) and Andre Carter, the other lightweight DE (250 pounds) were swept aside or took themselves out of the play with outside rushes. The Redskins defensive tackles couldn't compensate, and the Panthers ran all over them.

Linebacker: If they stay healthy, it's a position of strength. But with little depth, the often dinged Marcus Washington and wobbly kneed Rocky MacIntosh have to stay healthy all season. London Fletcher is solid. Looks for a vet to be added.

Defensive backs: Again, health is critical. How effective will Carlos Rogers be, returning from knee surgery? Can Shawn Springs last an entire year? Is Smoot past his prime? Rookie J.T. Tryon was supposed to play nickel but in preseason he was beaten more than Ringo's old Beatles drum kit. At safety, LaRon Landry has been fighting a hamstring all pre-season, but appears ready to play. Kareem Moore, the promising rookie also has—what else?—a hamstring, and Reid Doughty has been inconsistent.

REDSKINS CUTS 

Most were understandable, guys not expected to make the team. A few were puzzling.

*The NFL's leading preseason rusher—Marcus Mason—was axed.

*The battle for 5^th  or 6^th receiver was between Anthony Mix and Billy McMullen. Both were cut.

*Warhorse and veteran Bubble Boy—and among the most popular Redskins—Ryan Boschetti was released.

*Injured veteran tackle Todd Wade, or rookie free agent linemen Andrew Crummey or Devin Clark would make the final squad, right?—nope. (Expect either or both rookies to be on the Practice Squad).

*The biggest shock was that all ten draftees made the active roster (so far). This includes the three second round picks, of course, plus 'Skins 4^th round CB Tryon, and two safeties, Kareem Moore (6^th round) and Chris Horton (7^th). Sixth round punter Durant Brooks made the team, beating out vet Derrick Frost. Seventh round DE Rob Jackson, third round OL Chad Rinehart, and 6^th round sleeper QB Colt Brennan had good preseasons and earned their shots. (Jackson could still be axed if a vet DE is available from another teams's cuts)

THE GONE SQUAD: QB Derek Devine, FB Nehemiah Broughton, WR Maurice Mann, WR Horace Gant, WR Billy McMullen, WR Anthony Mix, DT Matthias Askew, DT Ryan Boschetti, T Devin Clark, T Tavares Washington, G Andrew Crummey, G Fred Matua, LB Curtis Gatewood, LB David Holloway, LB Danny Verdun-Wheeler, S Patrick Ghee, CB Cedrick Holt, CB Matterral Richardson and CB Byron Westbrook. RB Marcus Mason, T Todd Wade and P Derrick Frost. 

The 'skins could well pick up a veteran cut from other teams, but could wait a week so they won't have to guarantee contract. Or they could sign a younger vet, which means not everyone who "made" the team should be secure. They need help at CB, WR, OL and LB. Practice Squad had not been named at press time. Don't be surprised if Clark, Crummey, Devine and Richardson are on it.

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Jason Taylor Injured/ Offensive Line struggles

The Redskins/Carolina Game asks the profound question: What sound does a pipe dream make exploding? Sure, it's only preseason, and the skins were 3-0 before the contest, but as the love of my life, Holly Golightly, ("Breakfast at Tiffany's") once said: "Oh golly gee damn." (I'd say worse, but I run a family column.)

Still, one is hard-pressed to find good news. The best news, I guess is that after one quarter it was only 0-3. Unfortunately, three quarters later it was 3-47.  

Speaking of movie references, in "Men in Black," Will Smith competed against "the best of the best of the best." Following that theme, I've come up with two "Worst of the Worst of the Worst" Redskins Performance Awards.

THE WORST OF THE WORST OF THE WORST: Offensive Line

Against a good Panther defense, the Redskins Oline looked old, slow and outclassed. Time and again blockers were mauled, manhandled, mistreated, or just rode hard and put away wet.  Once Panther pro bowler Julius Peppers abused fellow pro bowler Chris Samuels by flinging him into QB Jason Campbell, who showed his distain for the insult by fumbling.

THE OTHER WORST OF THE WORST OF THE WORST: Defensive Line

From our clutching-at-straws department there's the relatively good news that DE Jason Taylor, whose knee got bent the wrong way, will only miss 10-14 days. This compares favorably with the fate of Giants DE Osi Umenyiora, whose knee injury ended his season.

I rewatched th carnage, focusing on Taylor's play before his injury. He mostly played right DE but two-stepped over to the left side shortly before getting hurt. Panther Tackles Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah handled him one on one. No double teams. Occasionally the TE blocked him. 

My analysis? More bad news. No sacks, no tackles no pressures, no positive impact. He was owned until he was injured. On running plays he was frequently driven down the line out of the play and into the "wash". Often, he took himself out of the picture with a wide rush. A number of successful runs hit inside the resulting gap.  On the play where he was hurt, he was driven into the pile and got caught up in it. Freak injury, yes, but as a result of ineffective play on his part.

The 'skins used a Vanilla defense--I saw no stunts, which might have been more effective in putting Taylor at the point of attack.  Taylor may have been playing hurt—his Plantar Fasciitis might have taken away his "quicks." Or he may just be a 34-year-old already eying his next career.

The Redskins official website lists Taylor at 6'6" 244 pounds, statistics that don't bode well for lasting a year in the NFC East, where most weeks he will be outweighed by blockers 80 pounds heavier. (Giants runner Brandon Jacobs outweighs Taylor by 20 pounds!) Many teams can get away with one "light" DE, but Taylor's counterpart is 250-pound Andre Carter. He also was rarely a factor Thursday, frequently wide rushing, and helping turn the interior into a sieve against running plays. On the very play after Taylor was hurt, Carter rushed by way of the South Dakota, and the Panthers ran for a touchdown over where he wasn't. The 'skins are woefully light at DE, figuratively and literally.

ITEM: The starting offense will play a series or two in the final contest against Jacksonville to "get the taste of bile" out of their mouths." Let's hope it isn't replaced by the taste of blood, and there are no injuries to key players.

ITEM: The injury to Taylor and the return of DE Erasmus James means rookie DE Rob Jackson may be relegated to the practice squad, which could be a mistake, as his good pre-season play makes him attractive to other teams. With James' injury history, do the 'skins bite the bullet, plan for the future, and either keep both or cut James?

ITEM:  Kareem Moore, who's been starting at safety while Landry recovers from (what else?) a hammy, looked good. He makes the active roster and could replace the inconsistent Reid Doughty by year's end. Landry was back practicing Monday

ITEM: DT Ryan Boschetti. The coaches love him. He's great locker room presence. He makes his family proud. But he's never been that good. This pre-season, though, everyone's favorite Bubble Boy has played better than usual. Is it enough to save his job?

ITEM: Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas. The two second round WRs and Poster Children for Lousy Conditioning have been a training camp disappointment. Zorn all but admitted their bad physical shape caused their leg injuries. They'll make the roster, of course, but anything good this year will be a bonus.

ITEM: TE Fred Davis.  The other second round receiver has worked hard and shown improvement. Skins haven't thrown much to TEs (including pro bowler Chris Cooley) so who knows what will happen when the real bullets fly.

ITEM: Two punters, no waiting. Incumbent punter Derrick Frost had a great game against Carolina, perhaps saving his job from rookie draftee Durant Brooks. Swell, now the skins have two good punters. Hammy anyone? Otherwise, whoever is gone brings nothing in return.

ITEM: Thanks NFL. Who in the high holy hell gave the Redskins three NFC East away games in their first five contests? New guy, nice guy Coach Zorn doesn't have enough problems without the NFL showing Dan Snyder who's boss?

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'Skins Don't Benefit from Brett Favre Show

They called themselves The Washington Redskins, but from the moment Number Four in green and white came onto the field Saturday Night, they may have well have been The Washington Generals.

The Washington Generals—lest we forget--is the name the "opponents" of the Harlem Globetrotters often go by. In other words, the Redskins played the foil for the debut of Jets "new" QB Brett Favre, who as some of you may have heard, was traded to New York by Green Bay. He only played 14 snaps Saturday night, but made the most of them.

Old Man River walked through the Redskins first team defense with ease, instead of acting like some elderly former retiree learning a new system with new playmates. He threw for the Jets only touchdown, retired (bad choice of words) to the sideline, toweled off and held court for the rest of the game. In his absence, the Generals became the Redskins again and won, 13-10.

With the sound of a Jets last second boinked field goal attempt still reverberating around Hoffa Memorial Stadium, Washington didn't have many more answers to their eventual final 53 man squad than they did going in. With first cutdowns looming, (Aug 26), head coach Jim Zorn's task of shaping his final roster didn't get easier. Some players who looked like mortal locks took half steps backwards, while others who seemingly had little chance of making the final unit moved up toward the bubble. (One, LB Rian Wallace, dislocated a shoulder and was cut for his troubles.)

The other key question in the business of football, is what old and young vets are in danger of being prematurely and involuntarily retired from their profession. Zorn must choose between the seduction of future promise and the comfort of experience and dependability. I wouldn't presume to guess who is headed for the Unemployment Line, but suffice it to say guys named Askew, Fox, Boschetti, Broughton, Matua, Mix, Frost, Westbrook, Toler, Oshinowo, Mann, Holt, Ghee, Fincher, Hamilton and Chris Wilson should be on Turk Watch, with Cartwright, Wade, Mason and Thrash less likely to depart.

Continuing to mess with the process and the progress of final squad selection are the ongoing muscle strains, Hammie pulls and  assorted oowies that slow down the evaluation process.

On the positive side, two bodies not expected to be present until early to mid season, were on the field. Linebacker Rocky McIntosh and corner Carlos Rogers—both recovering from blown out knees--played a handful of downs and seemed none the worse for wear. It appears both will be ready to go when the live bullets fly.

Getting a read on the overall quality of the team remains difficult. Jason Campbell has yet to assert himself, or find a rhythm. Clinton Portis never got off the bench, Antwaan Randle El didn't play and Santana Moss and Chris Cooley barely broke a sweat. LaRon Landry, who emerged as a force at Free Safety late last year, didn't even make the trip, nursing—what else?—a muscle pull.

What, Me Worry?

The biggest worry on offense, besides the pace of Campbell's development, is the status of former line stalwart, right tackle Jon Jansen, who has been slow to come up to speed after season ending leg injuries two of the past four seasons. 

On defense, a new worry was added when we learned new acquisition DE Jason Taylor suffers from Plantar Fasciitis. I'm no medicine man, so let's just say that's a case of achy breaky feet, one which could well have been exacerbated by Mr. Twinkletoes off season stint as a Dance Hall Hoofer. Taylor says it's "no problem," but meanwhile a large Miami Tuna cradles the 2^nd  and 6^th rounders he got for a dinged up Dancin' DE and chuckles.

Top Five Draftees

The top five picks from the Redskins 2008 draft class managed NOT to distinguish itself particularly this weekend, while some low rounders and undrafted FAs have impressed and could well make the final squad.

DEVIN THOMAS WR: Back from his hammie troubles, the second round 'skins top pick didn't catch a pass against the Jets, and got flagged with a 15-yard Unsportsmanlike.

FRED DAVIS TE: Fellow second rounder Davis comes with great credentials, so one must remain optimistic that his best days are ahead of him. Saturday, however, he was outplayed by undrafted Maryland free agent Jason Goode, who caught the winning touchdown.

MALCOLM KELLY WR: Like Thomas, the 'skins third second round pick showed up out of shape, according to Zorn. The former Sooner has had leg issues in the past--and present. He's had his first 'scope, has yet to catch his first pass in the NFL. He's expected back this week.

CHAD RINEHART OL (3^rd round): Northern Iowa lineman will make the active squad and has impressed in early games. Saturday night, though, he gave up two sacks and almost got backup QB Todd Collins killed. Such is the plight of rookies.

J.T. TRYON CB (4^th round): Arizona State corner has looked awful at times. While his tackling stats are decent, many come from dragging down his man after he's caught a pass. He came in for praise from Zorn for sticking a fullback on one running play.

The Rest of the Rookies

COLT BRENNAN QB: He throws funny. He doesn't have a gun. He sometimes flings the ball where he shouldn't and gets away with it. And Saturday he ran a flawless two minute drill to win the game. Hand him his clipboard, he makes the team.

DURANT BROOKS P: A sixth rounder, he has likely beaten out incumbent Derrick Frost.

CHRIS HORTON S: a seventh